Synonyms of canon

canon 1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈka-nən 

1

as in doctrine

a statement or body of statements concerning faith or morals proclaimed by a church

members of the church must abide by its canons

Synonyms & Similar Words

• doctrine
• theology
• principle
• dogma
• creed
• philosophy
• canon law
• belief
• ideology
• tenet
• axiom
• precept
• conviction
• idealogy
• symbol
• credo

2

as in list

a record of a series of items (as names or titles) usually arranged according to some system

the canon of plays that are attributed to William Shakespeare

Synonyms & Similar Words

• list
• listing
• catalogue
• catalog
• chronology
• registry
• roster
• directory
• roll
• roll call
• register
• schedule
• checklist
• bibliography
• menu
• index
• table
• compilation
• compendium
• agenda
• payroll
• inventory
• docket
• glossary
• enumeration
• calendar
• catalogue raisonné
• timetable
• manifest

3

as in law

a collection or system of rules of conduct

the ABA Model Code of Professional Responsibility is a lawyer's canon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• law
• constitution
• code
• decalogue
• legislation
• discipline
• common law
• establishment

canyon

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈkan-yən 

variants also cañon

as in ravine

a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage

as the scouts made their way through the canyon, they marveled at the sheer walls of rock on both sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ravine
• gorge
• valley
• crevice
• gulch
• gap
• saddle
• abyss
• col
• flume
• trench
• fissure
• defile
• pass
• couloir
• notch
• kloof
• gill
• gulf
• linn
• chasm
• crevasse
• cleft
• basin
• glen
• vale
• dale
• cirque
• gully
• hollow
• arroyo
• gutter
• coulee
• floodplain
• dell
• gulley
• coombe
• combe
• wadi
• kettle
• coomb
• cwm
• barranca
• barranco
• trough
• wash
• shut-in
• nullah
• draw

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of canon

Noun

No Sleep For Kaname Date brings the eponymous character back into action, with a new canon game set in-between the first game in the second. —Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025

In this new production, directed by Tony Award winner Thomas Kail (Hamilton), Emmy Award winner and five-time Oscar nominee Michelle Williams takes on one of the boldest roles in the American canon. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 June 2025

Noun

Foothills, groves, canyons and mesas all have been created above a parking garage thanks to the abundant use of hidden foam to shape the terrain. —Sam Lubell, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

Along the way, there are a few intersections with trails that head up the sides of the canyon, but continue on the path heading west. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025